Commonly known as The Lemon Squeezer, this landmark church on the grounds of De La Salle Holy Cross College was the backdrop to the recently held Highland Championship Gathering.
Although dawned with not a cloud in the sky, the was a chill wind that came and went during the course of the event that took place from 09h30- to about 15h00,
So many pipes and drums…and so much food to queue for and so many beverages, from Bubble Tea to beer to taste.
However, if I am to be honest, I was here for neither the food nor the drinks…I was here for the skirl of the pipes…and I did not have to wait long.
This is Chris Terry, the finest piper this country has ever produced, as evidenced by his 17 Piper of the Year trophies and many gold medals in Scotland. Still playing, 62 years after he started, still teaching youngsters, still dedicating his skill and wisdom to the art, and still making bagpipes in his workshop, to be exported around the world, and now preparing the definitive book of piobaireachd music ( Although “Piobaireachd” simply means “piping” in Scottish Gaelic, it developed as a style of piping soon after the people of the Scottish Highlands adopted the bagpipe—about six hundred years ago—and began to develop both the instrument and its music to their tastes.) for publication. (Information supplied by his brother, Peter Terry) Chris was one of the many pipers that were at the Highland gathering at De La Salle Holy Cross College on the 27th May.
FYI: There is more to the humble bagpipe than meets the eye.
Each instrument is constructed of the following parts and locally, can cost anywhere between R10000.00 and R50000.00!
Blowstick
The player fills the bag (with air from his lungs) using the blow stick like a mouthpiece.
Bass Drone
The bass drone produces a tone that is one octave below that of the tenor drones, filling out the sound.
Tenor Drones
The drones are responsible for the “humming” sound that emanates from the pipes.
Bag
The bag is a bladder that is continuously filled with air (from the blowstick).
Chanter Reed
The chanter reed, made of two tightly woven bamboo slivers, is hidden inside the pipes, between the bag and the chanter.
Pipe Chanter
The chanter is the part of the pipes that actually produces melody notes.(although there are those who think that bagpipes and melody are an oxymoron.)
Drone Cords
These are fancy, woven cords that are tied around the shaft of each drone.
Tuning Slide
By shortening or elongating the length, the player finds the desired note and tunes drones.
Drone Reeds
Each drone has one long reed inside of it, at the base.
Did you know that you can tune a bagpipe? I did not, but now I do!
It seems that bagpipes need to be set up in B Flat in order to allow them to play with instruments. This is easy, using a combination of a B Flat pipe chanter and B Flat drone reeds or drone extenders.
It seems like this woman had lost her drum and no one had told her. In retrospect, the twirling of the drumsticks is an important part of being in a pipe band, hence this aspect was being practiced without the distraction of the drum.
I saw this particular band at a previous gathering and the marching step of the piper in the front caught my eye then, and again on this occasion.
Where North meets South? A Scottish sporran using African Zebra hide…
I asked around and it seems that the wearer can personalize his/her sporran.
Did you know?
The Day Sporran (all leather) is typically worn during the day, before 6 PM, for casual functions or for walking about town. – The Dress Sporran (fur with the metal cantle on top… the semi circle metal thing) is typically worn after 6 PM and for formal functions. This sporran is typically worn without a kilt belt.
The judging panel were serious about making certain that each band was correctly scored.
I was sorely tempted to buy some real candy floss, but the queue was constant and ongoing so I never got the opportunity. Pity, as it has been a long while since I have enjoyed floss on a stick rather than out of a plastic packet.
Many drummers drumming…
FYI. There is an old adage that states that nothing should be worn under a kilt. Times have changed. While some people find going commando comfortable, others may prefer the added support and protection that underwear provides. Kilts are often made from wool, which can be itchy or rough on sensitive skin.
There was food of so many different descriptions on sale. This spectator was tucking into this at around 11h00. I wonder what, if anything, was on his lunch menu?
Supporting to countries? The cap say New Zealand and the kilt says Scotland.
This is a serious business as witnessed by the look on this drummer’s face.
Look carefully and you can see music taped to the skin of the drum. I am certain that drummers back in the Braveheart era did not march into battle with this. This was a competition and not a war, hence notes are allowed?
A drum major mace is a long object that is the symbol of the drum major’s authority over the band’s members. Sometimes called a baton, it is a key piece of equipment for a drum major to lead a band in parades.
At this gathering there were both male and female drum majors, which was something I had not witnessed before.
Did you know that there in a South African company called Amazing Mace? And yes, they manufacture maces which can cost up to R12000.00.
This young drum major strode off with not one, but to prizes for her performance. Well done! Showing inclusivity in 2023.
Just part of a crowd that was believed to be in excess of 5000. And everyone had a good time. Lots to eat and drink as well as stirring music to be enjoyed, whether you have Scottish blood coursing through you veins or not.
And finally, what the crowd had waited all day for…
Listen as the massed pipes and drums so their rendition of Flower of Scotland. https://youtu.be/bvLBYbffZYc
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